A Mask Won’t Save You

COVID-19 has changed our world dramatically in the last four months. My heart aches for those who have lost their lives and the families who have not been by their loved one’s side in their hour of need. My spirit has been crushed – beaten down – to a point of utter despair as I hear story after story of families being apart during this time. My friends in my world of special needs – those with intellectual and physical disabilities – have been sequestered in their homes for months unable to see their parents, siblings, or guardians. This has resulted in behavioral issues that have never occurred in some of these individuals before COVID hit. No hugs, no touch, no true eye to eye contact. Zoom calls or phone calls are not personal. They are a far cry from the love needed to reassure these beautiful souls that they will be just fine. Fine in a world that has taken away everything that is “normal” for them. It has taken away freedom.

They are not the only one whose freedoms have been taken away. Every American citizen has been robbed of the freedom to think for themselves. We flip on the TV and listen to the so-called news which is nothing more than a political scuffle between parties. There are demands for social distancing, businesses closing, reopening and then re-closing. Too many facts have come out of misleading positive COVID test results – I for one believe there is definitely something smelly here and I have had enough!

And the mask. The mask is not going to save you. They say it is the law to wear them but that’s another debate we should have – another day maybe. I believe mask wearing is overrated! BUT, I wear my mask when I go out in public for the sake of others. Others don’t realize the sacrifice I have made in doing so. You see, I’m claustrophobic. Covering my face, even half-way raises my anxiety level.

My breathing has changed inside that mask. There are times when I’m in a store I need to find a corner and just take off the mask and breathe – long and hard – until I can calm myself down to continue my shopping and get out of there.

I also believe the wearing of a face mask has brought on my asthma. I haven’t had a bout of asthma in at least three years. I am so thankful my doctor’s office could push through a new inhaler prescription at day’s end yesterday so I could have it for the weekend. Yup, just one more drug I have to put into my body, just when I’m trying to lessen prescription intake. I’ve lost my freedom to breathe fresh air when and where I need it. It seems like we’re all a bunch of losers these days. Gullible and losers!

Whether we like it or not there is a God who is in control and is not surprised by any of this. Nope, the politics, the deaths, treatments, the arguing between state and federal leaders. God is not surprised. I do believe God is rather disgusted at it. I know I am. God is also broken when it comes to the crime and the BLM movement as they protest in cities and towns across America, but that is another post. God is also waiting for His children, those who call themselves Christians to rise up and bring out the truth of disobedience in this nation. Unfortunately we are hiding behind our political party. For shame!

We should be on our knees seeking God in prayer, asking Him to restore this once great nation. We should be praising Him and being mindful to seek out His Word for the Truth as it will sustain the righteous! It will give us power through the Holy Spirit to distinguish right from wrong and stand up for what is right. God is still on the throne! He still reigns. A mask won’t save you. Only Jesus Saves!

If I Were the American Flag

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

I have evolved over the years. Everything I see changes around me. Good and bad. Righteous and evil. This is predictable. Even my design has evolved into something people argue about. A sad shame that we argue over what once was, instead of moving forward to what could be. Jesus says that when someone slaps you (offends you), turn to them the other cheek (Matt. 5:39). Let it go! Let history be history. Let others be as they might. Love your enemies (Jesus said that too). They soon may see the other side in you.

If I were The American Flag I would be held to the highest esteem, for no other reason than I represent a nation that is founded on the principles of God. A Land where the preamble begins, “We the people of the United States…” United! (Look it up later and keep reading)

Sadly, our unity has been slaughtered in this great nation. The divorce rate is high, destroying the sanctity of marriage. Couples don’t believe in marriage resulting in having children out of wedlock. Broken hearts, broken homes, absent fathers, and mothers. Today we kick up past hurts and injustices and call it a movement. Absent respect, absent compassion, absent love, absent God.

I am in angst by the disunity. My stars and stripes mean more than that. They mean liberty and justice for all; the pursuit of happiness. They mean a life of love and freedom. People can have that in America and so much more when God is part. Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:39). Godly principles lead to Godly promises.

The most humbling, most audacious service I undertake as The American Flag is superlative. Some think I’m just blow’n in the wind. But you are wrong, my friend. I am giving God the glory. I am worshiping the One who made this great nation and brought me and you along to join in the freedom it brings. I fly high and bold, in color and strength. I catch the wind to rise higher to the heavens.

If I were The American Flag I would ask people to look at me and see Hope. Look at me and see Love. Look at me and see a reuniting of the hearts of America’s people to God’s principles once again.  Who knows, maybe we will see more of His promises in the every day.

Happy 4th of July!

May God’s peace be with you,  Tammie

In the Father’s House

Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.” ~ 1 Chronicles 28:10

My every day sometimes goes against the grain of society. Simplified, I believe rules, laws, and regulations are put in place for our safety. They are there to help people. I also believe there is an opportunity when laws and rules can be manipulated, restricted, and controlled.

I believe we should keep the law, uphold to those laws unless it goes against the moral laws of God. Some might argue that point. I’m okay with that. We don’t have to agree to get along and imagine this…

We don’t have to agree to be friends.

The Holy Spirit has been prompting to get my fingers busy…to write again. It’s a scary road God is asking me to travel. The memories and emotions will, once again, be revisited. I will need to stand up to those who may not agree with me. I will need to admit failure and many feelings of fear and defeat. But those don’t stand up to what I know.

God has brought amazing healing over the last five years… Did you hear that? GOD. It’s all Him.

I hope you will see who I am already. A person just like you. Sorting through life as it happens. I hope you come back to see me In the Every Day.

Until then, Tammie